Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

Chinese Chicken and Broccoli is a classic dish that perfectly marries the tender texture of chicken with the crispness of broccoli, all enveloped in a savory sauce.

It’s not just a delightful meal; it’s also packed with nutrients, making it a well-balanced option for family dinners or meal prep. This dish is often served with steamed rice, making it a complete meal that satisfies both the palate and the appetite.

Kitchen Tools Needed

• Large skillet or wok
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons and cups

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   • In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced chicken with soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and sugar. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Let it marinate for about 10-15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

1. Make the Sauce:
   • In another mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, chicken broth, sesame oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set this sauce mixture aside.

Step 3: Cook the Broccoli

1. Heat Oil:
   • In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
2. Cook Broccoli:
   • Add the broccoli florets and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they turn bright green and are tender-crisp. Remove them from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

1. Cook Chicken:
   • In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil if needed. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until it’s no longer pink and cooked through, stirring frequently.
2. Add Garlic and Ginger:
   • Add minced garlic and ginger to the chicken. Stir-fry for another minute until fragrant.

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Broccoli

1. Return Broccoli:
   • Add the cooked broccoli back to the skillet with the chicken. Stir everything together for about a minute to combine.

Step 6: Add the Sauce

1. Pour Sauce:
   • Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and broccoli mixture. Stir well to coat everything in the sauce.
2. Thicken the Sauce:
   • Let the mixture cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and bubbles. Stir occasionally to ensure it doesn’t stick to the pan.

Step 7: Serve

1. Garnish:
   • Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions if desired.
2. Serve:
   • Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Tips for Making the Perfect Chinese Chicken and Broccoli

1. Cut Chicken Evenly: Slice the chicken into thin, uniform pieces for even cooking. A sharp knife will make this easier.
2. Use Fresh Broccoli: Fresh broccoli will give you the best flavor and texture, but frozen broccoli can work in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw it first.
3. Adjust the Sauce: Feel free to adjust the levels of soy sauce and oyster sauce according to your taste preferences. For a sweeter sauce, add a little more sugar or honey.
4. Add More Veggies: You can easily add bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas to the mix for more color and nutrition.
5. High Heat: Cooking on high heat allows the chicken to sear nicely and the broccoli to stay crisp. Just be careful not to burn the garlic.
6. Meal Prep: This dish is perfect for meal prep. Store the chicken and broccoli mixture in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.

Variations of Chinese Chicken and Broccoli

1. Vegetarian Option:
   • Substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version. Make sure to press and drain the tofu to remove excess moisture.
2. Beef and Broccoli:
   • Swap the chicken for thinly sliced beef, following the same marinade and cooking instructions.
3. Shrimp and Broccoli:
   • Use shrimp instead of chicken. Cook the shrimp until they turn pink and opaque, then follow the same steps.
4. Spicy Chicken and Broccoli:
   • Add more red pepper flakes or sliced fresh chilies for a spicier kick.
5. Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli:
   • Incorporate honey into the sauce for a sweet and savory flavor.

Storing and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

1. Refrigerate:
   • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. Freeze:
   • You can freeze the chicken and broccoli mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

1. Microwave:
   • Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
2. Stovetop:
   • For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to keep the dish from drying out.

Conclusion

Chinese Chicken and Broccoli is a flavorful, nutritious, and satisfying dish that brings the essence of takeout right to your kitchen. It’s quick enough for a weeknight meal yet delicious enough to impress at dinner parties. With its tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and savory sauce, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try, and enjoy a delicious homemade meal that’s as good as your favorite Chinese restaurant!

Yield: 4

Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

Print

Chinese Chicken and Broccoli is a classic dish that perfectly marries the tender texture of chicken with the crispness of broccoli, all enveloped in a savory sauce. It’s not just a delightful meal; it’s also packed with nutrients, making it a well-balanced option for family dinners or meal prep. This dish is often served with steamed rice, making it a complete meal that satisfies both the palate and the appetite.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or sesame oil)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch piece of ginger, minced
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (optional)
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
• Cooked rice (for serving)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   In a bowl, combine the sliced chicken, soy sauce, and oyster sauce. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
   
2. Blanch the Broccoli:
   Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch for about 2-3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
   
3. Cook the Chicken:
   In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken strips and stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes, or until fully cooked and no longer pink. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
   
4. Stir-Fry the Aromatics:
   In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the minced garlic and ginger, and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
   
5. Combine Chicken and Broccoli:
   Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the blanched broccoli. Stir to combine and heat through.
   
6. Thicken the Sauce:
   In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken and broccoli evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
   
7. Finish the Dish:
   If desired, add rice vinegar and sugar for extra flavor. Stir well to combine.
   
8. Serve:
   Serve the chicken and broccoli over cooked rice, and enjoy your meal!

Notes

Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snow peas for more color and nutrition.

Protein Alternatives: You can substitute the chicken with beef, shrimp, or tofu for a different protein option.

Spice it Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil before serving.